Lori Morales is a Boynton Beach native who has been a part of the Southern Dance Theatre family since its inception in 1983. Ms. Morales was one of the first students enrolled in the school. After 10 years of instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and modern with Ms. Penni Greenly, Lori began her professional career at the age of 18 at Walt Disney World. Her career flourished over the next 12 years spanning from Orlando, FL, Atlantic City, NJ, to Las Vegas, NV. During that time Ms. Morales had the opportunity to work with world renowned choreographers and perform for several award shows. Ms. Morales had the honor and privilege of being the lead dancer and dance captain for “Island Breeze” at the Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ.

While maintaining her dance career, Ms. Morales became a costume designer. Her costumes were featured in shows such as, “Midnight Fantasy” at the Luxor Hotel and “Australia’s Thunder from Down Under” at the Excalibur Hotel both located in Las Vegas, NV.

In 2005, Ms. Morales returned to Southern Dance Theatre as an instructor and a Director of the Dancer’s Edge Company.  In 2018 she also became the Administrative Director of the Dancer’s Edge Company. Now in 2022, Ms. Morales has become Co-Owner of Southern Dance Theatre.

In addition to her teaching at SDT, Lori has taught in the Palm Beach County School system since 2008. Her career in education began at Boynton Beach High School. For 13 years she taught in the Dance Academy. Currently, she is the Director of the dance program at Wellington Landings Middle School.

For Ms. Morales, Southern Dance Theatre & the word family are synonymous. Her mother Cheryl Cimilluca has been the smiling face at the front desk for over 30 years. As well as having both her sons, Ian & Levi train at Southern Dance Theatre.

Being able to continue the legacy that her mentor Penni Greenly began by sharing the passion and joy of dance to the next generation is one of the greatest joys in her life.